Alabama State UniversityNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Alabama State UniversityFri, 18 Nov 2016 23:47:54 +0000Alabama State Universityhttp://apr.org
MacKenzie BatesTrustees at Alabama State University will hold a hearing that could result in the removal of President Gwendolyn Boyd. The decision came during a board meeting yesterday. Boyd was suspended from work 10 days ago, and the hearing set for Dec. 16 will determine the next step. Board members complained that they can't get information from Boyd. They mentioned a laundry list of issues on campus including prisoners being allowed to clean dorm rooms. Chairman Ralph Ruggs says he has lost confidence in Boyd's ability to lead. Trustees hired Boyd as Alabama State's first female president three years ago. She received a $300,000-a-year contract, and board members gave her a three-year extension last year. The provost is acting as president during her suspension. Hearing set on future of Alabama State presidenthttp://apr.org/post/hearing-set-future-alabama-state-president
101173 as http://apr.orgTue, 15 Nov 2016 23:16:58 +0000Hearing set on future of Alabama State presidentMacKenzie BatesAlabama State University has won a $271,000 grant by the National Science Foundation to purchase a state-of-the-art 3-D printer. The printer will be used by students in ASU's College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics departments. It will enable researchers to custom design and build tissue replacements. Dr. Derrick Dean is the lead principle investigator. He says the printer will be used by at least three graduate and undergraduate courses in biomedical engineering and biological sciences. The printer will be located in the Integrated Bio-Engineering and Advanced Materials Center, affiliated with C-STEM. Dean says research there is focused on developing materials and structures that can aid in the regeneration of bone, cartilage liver and skin tissue. $270K grant to help ASU buy cutting-edge research printerhttp://apr.org/post/270k-grant-help-asu-buy-cutting-edge-research-printer
99886 as http://apr.orgSun, 23 Oct 2016 18:22:19 +0000$270K grant to help ASU buy cutting-edge research printerAlex AuBuchonJurors hearing the federal retrial of former Madison police officer Eric Parker will be back in court today for a fourth day of deliberations. Jurors will return to court this morning after telling U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala they were once again unable to come to a unanimous decision in the civil rights case. The judge is trying to avoid a second mistrial for Parker on charges of violating the rights of 58-year-old Sureshbhai Patel by using excessive force during a police stop in February. Parker's first trial ended in a hung jury. Parker threw Patel to the ground while investigating a suspicious person complaint in a suburban neighborhood. Patel has said through an interpreter that he doesn't understand English and didn't understand the officer's orders. A petition calling for Perry County Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins to be disbarred has gathered more than 23,000 signatures. The Care2 petition demands Wiggins be disbarred for forcing low-income offenders to give blood inJury Still Deliberating in Parker Trial, Petition to Disbar Judge Marvin Wigginshttp://apr.org/post/jury-still-deliberating-parker-trial-petition-disbar-judge-marvin-wiggins
81571 as http://apr.orgWed, 04 Nov 2015 16:25:00 +0000Jury Still Deliberating in Parker Trial, Petition to Disbar Judge Marvin WigginsAlex AuBuchonA patient being treated for Ebola-like symptoms at UAB Hospital has tested negative for the disease. Jefferson County Medical Director Edward Khan says the patient recently visited a country with active Ebola cases. The patient began developing symptoms and notified authorities, and was admitted to UAB Hospital last night. Authorities have not released the patient’s identity or the country visited. Two of the patient’s family members had been quarantined in their home in southwest Birmingham. Six Birmingham Fire and Rescue emergency responders were also quarantined after coming into contact with the patient. All eight have now been released. The patient did test positive for malaria. The U.S. Senate is looking at a bill that could have some serious implications in regards to the handling of coal ash. The legislation would largely bypass a federal rule issued last year by the Environmental Protection Agency. Lisa Evans is Senior Administrative Counsel for Earth Justice. She says AlabamaPatient Tests Negative for Ebola, U.S. Coal Ash Votehttp://apr.org/post/patient-tests-negative-ebola-us-coal-ash-vote
76711 as http://apr.orgWed, 05 Aug 2015 15:13:13 +0000Patient Tests Negative for Ebola, U.S. Coal Ash VoteAlex AuBuchonThe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has placed Tuskegee University and Alabama State University on warning due to a lack of compliance with the accreditation agency's policies. The association accredits the degree programs at both institutions. It placed Tuskegee University on a 12 month warning period, and extended a warning at Alabama State University for a second time -- now for a full year as well. At Alabama State, the warning extension ties back to the university's financial status. The SACS cited four non-compliance issues, saying Alabama State failed to meet standards for financial stability, control of finances, control of sponsored or external research programs and financial aid responsibilities. ASU has experienced severe financial issues since a forensic investigation began in November 2012, including three credit downgrades, a drop in enrollment, and intense scrutiny from the Alabama Attorney General. As of yet, there have been no indictments or criminalAlabama Universities Receive Accreditation Warninghttp://apr.org/post/alabama-universities-receive-accreditation-warning
74278 as http://apr.orgSun, 21 Jun 2015 22:13:01 +0000Alabama Universities Receive Accreditation WarningAlex AuBuchonTestimony is wrapping up in a lawsuit between former Alabama State University athletic director Stacy Danley and the university itself. A ruling is expected to be issued sometime next month, after both sides file their final briefs. The case is focused around the relationship between Danley and former ASU administrator John Knight, now a state representative. Danley's lawsuit alleges he was fired in late 2012 because he would not arrange for a job for Knight's daughter in the ASU athletic department. Alabama State University counter-sued, claiming Danley abused their expense reimbursement system. Danley testified late last week saying that all of his $67,000 in travel expenses were approved by Knight. Judge James Reid gave both sides until April 14 to file their final briefs, at which point he will rule on both lawsuits. Testimony complete in ASU administrator lawsuithttp://apr.org/post/testimony-complete-asu-administrator-lawsuit
68440 as http://apr.orgSun, 01 Mar 2015 18:24:24 +0000Testimony complete in ASU administrator lawsuitThe Associated Press The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Alabama State University have been given a federal grant to research and reduce disparities in cancer rates. UAB officials said in a statement Tuesday that the $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute will allow both schools to execute cancer-related research and training focused on helping underserved communities. Officials say the partnership is aimed at supporting junior faculty members and developing a pipeline of researchers who are committed to probing disparities in minority cancer rates. Officials say some of the research will focus on prostate and colorectal cancers, which have disproportionate impacts on minorities. UAB, Alabama State Given Cancer Research Granthttp://apr.org/post/uab-alabama-state-given-cancer-research-grant
62695 as http://apr.orgTue, 11 Nov 2014 21:46:42 +0000UAB, Alabama State Given Cancer Research GrantThe Associated Press Alabama State University officials say they're planning to use a National Science Foundation grant to establish a data analytics lab. University officials said in a release Monday that the school will use the $399,000 grant to focus on "big data," a term that's increasingly used to describe a volume of data so large and complex that it's difficult to interpret using standard database and software techniques. Officials say the university will partner with Auburn University on a research project aimed at infusing data analytics in mathematics and statistics courses. Officials say many in-demand science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers require technical skills for handling and analyzing big data, but undergraduate courses aren't typically equipped to provide adequate training in that area. ASU Using Grant To Form Data Analytics Programhttp://apr.org/post/asu-using-grant-form-data-analytics-program
57919 as http://apr.orgMon, 18 Aug 2014 21:26:58 +0000ASU Using Grant To Form Data Analytics ProgramThe Associated Press An ousted trustee at Alabama State University is telling an accreditation agency his removal violates standards. The Montgomery Advertiser reports that Marvin Wiggins has reported his own removal from the board to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Gov. Robert Bentley removed Wiggins as an Alabama State trustee citing a summer camp operated by Wiggins' wide on the campus. But Wiggins says Bentley's influence over the trustees and the lack of a due-process hearing violate standards of the accreditation organization. Bentley and Wiggins have been at odds over a review raising questions about the school's finances. Alabama State has been in turmoil since late 2012, when Joseph Silver resigned as president after questioning some financial practices at the university. Some leaders now oppose Silver's successor, Gwendolyn Boyd. Ousted ASU Trustee Cites Removal As Breachhttp://apr.org/post/ousted-asu-trustee-cites-removal-breach
57126 as http://apr.orgTue, 05 Aug 2014 20:45:04 +0000Ousted ASU Trustee Cites Removal As BreachThe Associated Press Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins is threatening to sue Gov. Robert Bentley for removing him as a trustee of Alabama State University. Wiggins sent an email to the governor saying the removal violates his due process rights and is in violation of the standards of the university's accrediting agency. A spokeswoman for the governor says he's reviewing the letter. Bentley removed Watkins as a trustee on Friday after Watkins refused the governor's request to resign. Bentley said Wiggins had failed in his duties as a trustee. He cited Wiggins' wife making about $30,000 for operating a summer camp hosted by Alabama State. In a related development, The Montgomery Advertiser reports Alabama State has spent $318,000 in legal fees suing a forensic auditing firm hired by the governor. Former ASU Trustee Threatens To Sue Governorhttp://apr.org/post/former-asu-trustee-threatens-sue-governor
56787 as http://apr.orgWed, 30 Jul 2014 20:47:05 +0000Former ASU Trustee Threatens To Sue GovernorThe Associated Press Gov. Robert Bentley has removed Circuit Judge Marvin Wiggins as a trustee of Alabama State University. Bentley, who is president of the Alabama State board of trustees, had given Chairman Elton Dean and Vice Chairman Wiggins until Thursday afternoon to resign. Dean did, but Wiggins refused because he said he had done nothing wrong. Bentley sent Wiggins a letter Friday saying he was using his authority as governor to remove him. The governor said the state law prohibits a trustee from being financially interested in any contract the university has. But he said Wiggins' wife received more than $30,000 as director of a camp hosted by the university and Wiggins' sister-in-law got hired to teach at Alabama State despite being a disbarred lawyer. Governor Bentley Removes Wiggins From ASU Boardhttp://apr.org/post/governor-bentley-removes-wiggins-asu-board
56500 as http://apr.orgFri, 25 Jul 2014 20:55:38 +0000Governor Bentley Removes Wiggins From ASU BoardThe Associated Press The chairman of the board of trustees at Alabama State University, Elton Dean, says he's resigning. Dean announced his decision on the campus radio station, WVAS, Thursday afternoon. Gov. Robert Bentley, who is president of the ASU board, had called for Dean and vice chairman Marvin Wiggins to resign after an accrediting agency gave the university a warning and cited conflicts of interest by Dean and Wiggins. Wiggins said he's not resigning because he's done nothing wrong. The president of the Student Government Association and an alumni leader had also called for their resignations. Chairman Of Alabama State Board Resigninghttp://apr.org/post/chairman-alabama-state-board-resigning
56437 as http://apr.orgThu, 24 Jul 2014 21:23:04 +0000Chairman Of Alabama State Board ResigningThe Associated Press Gov. Robert Bentley has asked two of the top trustees at Alabama State University to resign. Bentley sent letters Tuesday to Chairman Elton Dean and Vice Chairman Marvin Wiggins asking them to resign by Thursday afternoon. Bentley says their resignations would be in the best interest of the university. Bentley serves as president of the Alabama State board by virtue of his office. Bentley's letter came one day after the president of the school's Student Government Association called on the same two trustees to step down. Bentley's letter also follows a six-month warning from an accreditation agency that cited conflicts of interest by Dean and Wiggins. Dean could not be reached immediately for comment. Wiggins, a circuit judge, was in court and not immediately available for comment. Governor Asks 2 ASU Trustees To Resignhttp://apr.org/post/governor-asks-2-asu-trustees-resign
56276 as http://apr.orgTue, 22 Jul 2014 20:44:59 +0000Governor Asks 2 ASU Trustees To ResignAssociated PressThe president of the Alabama State University Student Government Association has sent a letter asking the chairman and vice chairman of the board of trustees to resign. SGA President Darren Dubose said Monday the SGA Cabinet decided it was time to act when an accrediting agency sent the university a warning letter and noted that Chairman Elton Dean and Vice Chairman Marvin Wiggins had relatives with university contracts. Dubose also noted that Moody's Investor Services downgraded the university's bond rating during their tenure. Dean said Monday the letter was a surprise and he needs time to digest it before commenting. Wiggins, a circuit judge, was in court and unavailable for comment. University President Gwendolyn Boyd says she supports students' right to voice their opinions and be active on university issues. Alabama State SGA Leaders Asks 2 Trustees to Resignhttp://apr.org/post/alabama-state-sga-leaders-asks-2-trustees-resign
56233 as http://apr.orgTue, 22 Jul 2014 11:41:57 +0000Alabama State SGA Leaders Asks 2 Trustees to ResignThe Associated Press The National Park Service has chosen Alabama State University in Montgomery as the location for the third and final interpretative center along the Selma-to-Montgomery National Voting Rights Trail. The park service and university President Gwendolyn Boyd signed a memorandum of understanding Monday. The signing comes one year before Alabama plans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1965 march. Several sites in the capital city competed for the interpretative center, but officials said community support and resources clinched it for ASU. Officials say they are considering building a facility with at least 15,000 square feet built by Alabama State next to the football stadium. Trail Superintendent Sandra Taylor says the park service will supply about $3 million in exhibits. The other interpretative centers are open in Selma and White Hall. Alabama State Picked For Historic March Exhibithttp://apr.org/post/alabama-state-picked-historic-march-exhibit
56197 as http://apr.orgMon, 21 Jul 2014 21:09:23 +0000Alabama State Picked For Historic March ExhibitAssociated PressAlabama State University officials have outlined initial steps they plan to take to recover from a credit downgrade and are looking for more information on specific things the school needs to do to respond to warning from an academic accreditation agency. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees met Wednesday afternoon. Chairman Elton Dean says he's assembled a group tasked with having weekly conference calls to discuss what the school needs to do to recover from its third credit downgrade by Moody's Investors Service within a roughly nine month period. University President Gwendolyn Boyd says administrators are still waiting for a letter from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools outlining what specific issues the school needs to work on to address the warning that was issued last month. ASU Committee Discusses Financing, Accreditationhttp://apr.org/post/asu-committee-discusses-financing-accreditation
55474 as http://apr.orgThu, 10 Jul 2014 11:17:35 +0000ASU Committee Discusses Financing, AccreditationAssociated PressAlabama State University officials say they're committed to revamping administrative processes to respond to a recent credit downgrade and a warning from an accreditation agency. In a statement Monday, ASU President Gwendolyn Boyd said the school's recent credit downgrade by Moody's Investor's Service is the third in almost nine months and she considers it a "very serious issue." Boyd says university officials are hopeful that fiscal austerity and the implementation of financial best practices will help restore the school's credit rating, which dropped Oct. 18, Jan. 21 and again on Thursday. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley says although he's disappointed, he's confident the school will bounce back. Bentley says Alabama State University has the right president and board in place to guide the school's recovery from the downgrade and accreditation warning. ASU President Responds to Moody's Credit Downgradehttp://apr.org/post/asu-president-responds-moodys-credit-downgrade
55330 as http://apr.orgTue, 08 Jul 2014 11:38:40 +0000ASU President Responds to Moody's Credit DowngradeAssociated PressAn accrediting agency has issued a warning to Alabama State University for failing to comply with several accreditation standards. The Montgomery Advertiser reports the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools issued the warning to ASU late last week, saying the school hasn't complied with standards on board of trustees governance, financial stability and Title IV funding issues. University officials said in a statement that the school will comply with whatever improvements SACS recommends. The school's warning period lasts for six months. Accrediting Agency Issues Warning to Alabama Statehttp://apr.org/post/accrediting-agency-issues-warning-alabama-state
54377 as http://apr.orgMon, 23 Jun 2014 01:13:03 +0000Accrediting Agency Issues Warning to Alabama StateThe Associated Press A civil rights interpretive center will remain on the Alabama State University campus for now, following a vote by the Montgomery City Council. WAKA-TV reports that after some debate, the council voted not to reconsider the location. The station reports that the National Park Service selected ASU as the site of the center in 2011. Montgomery City Councilman Tracy Larkin has proposed a resolution to reconsider the current location at Alabama State, favoring a site along the Selma to Montgomery March route. Larkin told The Montgomery Advertiser that the issue is one of historical accuracy. Larkin feels the interpretive center should be built along the route of the march. Civil Rights Center To Stay At Alabama State Univ.http://apr.org/post/civil-rights-center-stay-alabama-state-univ
52413 as http://apr.orgWed, 21 May 2014 20:55:24 +0000Civil Rights Center To Stay At Alabama State Univ.The Associated Press Two members of the Alabama State University board of trustees have questioned university President Gwendolyn Boyd's understanding of the school's governance structure, and Boyd has called claims they've made against her intimidation and harassment. A series of letters obtained by the Montgomery Advertiser outlines a disagreement between Boyd and board members Elton Dean and Marvin Wiggins. The issue arose after Boyd distributed a revised organizational chart just before a late April trustee meeting. Dean wrote a letter to Boyd April 28 saying the board is concerned with the way Boyd has managed her interaction and relationship with the board, and that a state statute authorizes the board to approve all personnel moves. Boyd says she's been responsive to the board and called Dean's claims unfair and inaccurate. Letters Outline Tension Between ASU Leadershttp://apr.org/post/letters-outline-tension-between-asu-leaders
51951 as http://apr.orgWed, 14 May 2014 21:46:26 +0000Letters Outline Tension Between ASU Leaders